Daily Readings - Sat May 16 2020
Acts
1Then he arrived at Derbe and Lystra. And behold, a certain disciple named Timothy was there, the son of a faithful Jewish woman, his father a Gentile2The brothers who were at Lystra and Iconium rendered good testimony to him3Paul wanted this man to travel with him, and taking him, he circumcised him, because of the Jews who were in those places. For they all knew that his father was a Gentile4And as they were traveling through the cities, they delivered to them the dogmas to be kept, which were decreed by the Apostles and elders who were at Jerusalem5And certainly, the Churches were being strengthened in faith and were increasing in number every day6Then, while crossing through Phrygia and the region of Galatia, they were prevented by the Holy Spirit from speaking the Word in Asia7But when they had arrived in Mysia, they attempted to go into Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus would not permit them8Then, when they had crossed through Mysia, they descended to Troas9And a vision in the night was revealed to Paul of a certain man of Macedonia, standing and pleading with him, and saying: "Cross into Macedonia and help us!10Then, after he saw the vision, immediately we sought to set out for Macedonia, having been assured that God had called us to evangelize to them
John
18If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before you19If you had been of the world, the world would love what is its own. Yet truly, you are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world; because of this, the world hates you20Remember my saying that I told you: The servant is not greater than his Lord. If they have persecuted me, they will persecute you also. If they have kept my word, they will keep yours also21But all these things they will do to you because of my name, for they do not know him who sent me
Sermon
In today's readings, we journey through two pivotal moments in the early Christian church and the life of Jesus, each offering profound insights into faith and discipleship. The first reading from Acts 16:1-10 introduces us to Timothy, a young disciple with a mixed heritage, whom Paul circumcises to facilitate their missionary work among the Jews. This act, though seemingly contradictory to earlier teachings, underscores Paul's strategic obedience to God's plan for spreading the Gospel. The narrative continues with the missionaries being guided by the Holy Spirit, highlighting their trust in divine direction as they navigate the challenges of their journey.
The Gospel reading from John 15:18-21 shifts our focus to Jesus' Farewell Discourse, where He warns His disciples of the world's hatred. Jesus explains that this hatred stems from their status as outsiders, chosen by God from the world. He reminds them that persecution is inevitable, just as He experienced, but assures them that their fidelity to His word will sustain them. This passage invites us to reflect on our own identity as followers of Christ, set apart and called to live according to His teachings.
Both readings intertwine themes of trust and fidelity. In Acts, Paul and Timothy's journey exemplifies trust in God's plan, even when it requires difficult decisions. In John, Jesus calls us to remain faithful despite the world's hostility. For us today, these readings encourage us to trust in God's guidance and to embrace our identity as His disciples, even when facing challenges. Let us strive to live with fidelity, trusting that God's plan will unfold, and enduring any persecution with courage and faith.